Prosecution Insights
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Application No. 18/677,149

CONVERTER FAULT PROTECTION

Non-Final OA §102§103
Filed
May 29, 2024
Examiner
RIVERA-PEREZ, CARLOS O
Art Unit
2838
Tech Center
2800 — Semiconductors & Electrical Systems
Assignee
Rolls-Royce
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
71%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
2y 11m
To Grant
92%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 71% — above average
71%
Career Allow Rate
356 granted / 499 resolved
+3.3% vs TC avg
Strong +21% interview lift
Without
With
+20.8%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 11m
Avg Prosecution
38 currently pending
Career history
537
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
0.5%
-39.5% vs TC avg
§103
61.0%
+21.0% vs TC avg
§102
25.5%
-14.5% vs TC avg
§112
7.3%
-32.7% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 499 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §103
DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Drawings The drawings are objected to because the empty boxes (e.g. 310, 315, 316, 903) in figures 3 and 9-11 should contain symbols or text indicating their functionality. Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance. Figure 4-9 (see specification page 13; lines 8-10) should be designated by a legend such as --Prior Art-- because only that which is old is illustrated. See MPEP § 608.02(g). Corrected drawings in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. The replacement sheet(s) should be labeled “Replacement Sheet” in the page header (as per 37 CFR 1.84(c)) so as not to obstruct any portion of the drawing figures. If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance. Claim Objections Claims 1 and 15 are objected to because of the following informalities: Claims 1 and 15, lines 13-14 recites “the first and second output switches”, which should be -- the third and fourth switches -- because this way is supported in the specification (see figures 9 and 10, part S3, 416 and S4). Appropriate correction is required. Claim 11 is objected to because of the following informalities: Claim 11, second line recites “to close the fifth and sixth switches”, which should be -- to open the fifth and sixth switches -- because this way is supported in the specification based on the type of fault (paragraph [0111]; Switch Fault Detection; Failure of either of the second or fourth switches S2, S4 may result in the DC power supply 401 being connected to the load 402, causing a rise in current above a predetermined magnitude threshold. This may be detected by either or both of the current sensors 901, 901, causing the controller 903 to turn the fifth and sixth switches SA1, SA2 off to protect the converter 900, 1000). Appropriate correction is required. Claim 12 is objected to because of the following informalities: Claim 12, lines 16-17 recites “the first and second output switches”, which should be -- the third and fourth switches -- because this way is supported in the specification (see figure 11, part S32, 4162 and S42). Appropriate correction is required. Claim 13 is objected to because of the following informalities: Claim 13, lines 1-2 recites “an electrical load”, which should be --the electrical load -- because this term was previously presented in the claim. Appropriate correction is required. Claim 17 is objected to because of the following informalities: Claim 17, lines 1-2 recites “closing the fifth and sixth switches”, which should be -- opening the fifth and sixth switches -- because this way is supported in the specification based on the type of fault (paragraph [0111]; Switch Fault Detection; Failure of either of the second or fourth switches S2, S4 may result in the DC power supply 401 being connected to the load 402, causing a rise in current above a predetermined magnitude threshold. This may be detected by either or both of the current sensors 901, 901, causing the controller 903 to turn the fifth and sixth switches SA1, SA2 off to protect the converter 900, 1000). Appropriate correction is required. Claim 18 is objected to because of the following informalities: Claim 18, line 7 recites “a DC-DC electric power converter”, which should be --the DC-DC electric power converter -- because this term was previously presented in the claim. Appropriate correction is required. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action: A person shall be entitled to a patent unless – (a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. Claims 1, 4-8 and 12-15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102 (a)(1) as being anticipated by Corti et al. (M. Corti et al. , “DC Networks Including Multiport DC/DC Converters: Fault Analysis”, IEEE Transactions on Industry, 09-01-2016.), hereinafter Corti. Regarding claim 1, Corti discloses (figures 1-9) a DC-DC electric power converter (figures 1(b) and 2, part multi-port DC/DC converter), comprising: first and second input terminals (figures 1(b) and 2, part upper and lower input terminals of the batteries) for connecting to a DC voltage supply (figures 1(b) and 2, part DC voltage supply generated by batteries); first and second output terminals (figures 1(b) and 2, part upper and lower output terminals of DC loads) for connecting to an electrical load (figures 1(b) and 2, part load generated by DC loads); a first capacitor (figures 1(b) and 2, part C1) having first and second terminals (figures 1(b) and 2, part C1; upper and lower terminals) connected to the respective first and second input terminals (figures 1(b) and 2, part upper and lower input terminals of the batteries; through port#1); a second capacitor (figures 1(b) and 2, part C4) having first and second terminals (figures 1(b) and 2, part C4; upper and lower terminals) connected to the respective first and second output terminals (figures 1(b) and 2, part upper and lower output terminals of DC loads; through port#4); first and second switches (figures 1(b) and 2, parts S11 and S12) connected in series (figures 1(b) and 2, parts S11 and S12) between the first input terminal (figures 1(b) and 2, part upper input terminal of the batteries; through port#1) and a common line (figures 1(b) and 2, part common line connected at lower terminals of S12 and S42), a first node (figures 1(b) and 2, part first node connecting S11 and S12) connecting the first and second switches (figures 1(b) and 2, parts S11 and S12) ; third and fourth switches (figures 1(b) and 2, parts S41 and S42) connected in series (figures 1(b) and 2, parts S41 and S42) between the first output terminal (figures 1(b) and 2, part upper output terminal of DC loads; through port#4) and the common line (figures 1(b) and 2, part common line connected at lower terminals of S12 and S42), a second node (figures 1(b) and 2, part second node connecting S41 and S42) connecting the third and fourth switches [based on objection presented above] (figures 1(b) and 2, parts S41 and S42); an inductor (figures 1(b) and 2, part inductor generated by L1/L4) connected between the first (figures 1(b) and 2, part first node connecting S11 and S12) and second nodes (figures 1(b) and 2, part second node connecting S41 and S42); a fifth switch (figures 1(b) and 2, part fifth switch in lower side of PR1) connected between the second input terminal (figures 1(b) and 2, part lower input terminal of the batteries) and the common line (figures 1(b) and 2, part common line connected at lower terminals of S12 and S42; through port #1); and a sixth switch (figures 1(b) and 2, part sixth switch in lower side of PR4) connected between the second output terminal (figures 1(b) and 2, part lower output terminal of DC loads) and the common line (figures 1(b) and 2, part common line connected at lower terminals of S12 and S42; through port #4) (pages 3656-3657; II. MULTIPORT DC/DC CONVERTER). Regarding claim 4, Corti discloses everything claimed as applied above (see claim 1). Further, Corti discloses (figures 1-9) the fifth switch (figures 1(b) and 2, part fifth switch in lower side of PR1) is connected between the second input terminal (figures 1(b) and 2, part lower input terminal of the batteries) and the second terminal of the first capacitor (figures 1(b) and 2, part C1; lower terminal). Regarding claim 5, Corti discloses everything claimed as applied above (see claim 1). Further, Corti discloses (figures 1-9) the sixth switch (figures 1(b) and 2, part sixth switch in lower side of PR4) is connected between the second output terminal (figures 1(b) and 2, part lower output terminal of DC loads) and the second terminal of the second capacitor (figures 1(b) and 2, part C4; lower terminal). Regarding claim 6, Corti discloses everything claimed as applied above (see claim 1). Further, Corti discloses (figures 1-9) each switch comprises a transistor connected in parallel with a diode (figures 1(b) and 2, parts S11/S12, S41/S42, fifth switch in lower side of PR1 and sixth switch in lower side of PR4) (page 3658; B. Solution B; a static or a hybrid bidirectional switch (SHBS) can be installed on both poles of MPDCC port number 0 (up-stream of the capacitor C0 ) to act as a bipolar circuit breaker). Regarding claim 7, Corti discloses everything claimed as applied above (see claim 6). Further, Corti discloses (figures 1-9) the transistor is a MOSFET, IGBT or HFET (figures 1(b) and 2, parts S11/S12, S41/S42, fifth switch in lower side of PR1 and sixth switch in lower side of PR4) (page 3656; A. Structure; The IGBT). Regarding claim 8, Corti discloses everything claimed as applied above (see claim 1). Further, Corti discloses (figures 1-9) a controller (figures 1(b) and 2, part controller [not shown] that operate each switches S11/S12, S41/S42, fifth switch in lower side of PR1 and sixth switch in lower side of PR4) configured to operate each of the switches (figures 1(b) and 2, parts S11/S12, S41/S42, fifth switch in lower side of PR1 and sixth switch in lower side of PR4) (page 3657; B. Normal Condition Control Strategy). Regarding claim 12, Corti discloses everything claimed as applied above (see claim 1). Further, Corti discloses (figures 1-9) the DC-DC electric power converter (figures 1(b) and 2, part multi-port DC/DC converter) is a first DC-DC electric power converter (figures 1(b) and 2, part first DC-DC converter in the multi-port DC/DC converter between ports #1 and #4), the DC-DC electric power converter (figures 1(b) and 2, part multi-port DC/DC converter) comprising a second DC-DC electric power converter (figures 1(b) and 2, part second DC-DC converter in the multi-port DC/DC converter between ports #2 and #n) comprising: first and second input terminals (figures 1(b) and 2, part upper and lower input terminals of the super capacitors) for connecting to a second DC voltage supply (figures 1(b) and 2, part super capacitors); first and second output terminals (figures 1(b) and 2, part upper and lower output terminals of DC loads) for connecting to an electrical load (figures 1(b) and 2, part DC loads); a first capacitor (figures 1(b) and 2, part C2) having first and second terminals (figures 1(b) and 2, part C2; upper and lower terminals) connected to the respective first and second input terminals (figures 1(b) and 2, part upper and lower input terminals of the super capacitors); a second capacitor (figures 1(b) and 2, part Cn) having first and second terminals (figures 1(b) and 2, part Cn; upper and lower terminals) connected to the respective first and second output terminals (figures 1(b) and 2, part upper and lower output terminals of DC loads); first and second switches (figures 1(b) and 2, parts S21 and S22) connected in series between the first input terminal (figures 1(b) and 2, part upper input terminal of the super capacitors; through port#2) and a common line (figures 1(b) and 2, part common line connected at lower terminals of S22 and Sn2), a first node (figures 1(b) and 2, part first node connecting S21 and S22) connecting the first and second switches (figures 1(b) and 2, parts S21 and S22); third and fourth switches connected in series (figures 1(b) and 2, parts Sn1 and Sn2) between the first output terminal (figures 1(b) and 2, part upper output terminal of DC loads) and the common line (figures 1(b) and 2, part common line connected at lower terminals of S22 and Sn2), a second node (figures 1(b) and 2, part second node connecting Sn1 and Sn2) connecting the third and fourth switches [based on objection above] (figures 1(b) and 2, parts Sn1 and Sn2); and an inductor (figures 1(b) and 2, part inductor generated by L2 and Ln) connected between the first (figures 1(b) and 2, part first node connecting S21 and S22) and second nodes (figures 1(b) and 2, part second node connecting Sn1 and Sn2), wherein the first output terminal (figures 1(b) and 2, part upper output terminal of DC loads) of the first DC-DC electric power converter (figures 1(b) and 2, part first DC-DC converter in the multi-port DC/DC converter between ports #1 and #4) is connected to the second output terminal (figures 1(b) and 2, part upper output terminal of DC loads) of the second DC-DC electric power converter (figures 1(b) and 2, part second DC-DC converter in the multi-port DC/DC converter between ports #2 and #n). Regarding claim 13, Corti discloses everything claimed as applied above (see claim 12). Further, Corti discloses (figures 1-9) an electrical load (figures 1(b) and 2, part DC loads) connected between the first output terminal (figures 1(b) and 2, part lower output terminal of DC loads) of the second DC-DC electric power converter (figures 1(b) and 2, part second DC-DC converter in the multi-port DC/DC converter between ports #2 and #n) and the second output terminal (figures 1(b) and 2, part lower output terminal of DC loads) of the first DC-DC electric power converter (figures 1(b) and 2, part first DC-DC converter in the multi-port DC/DC converter between ports #1 and #4). Regarding claim 14, Corti discloses everything claimed as applied above (see claim 12). Further, Corti discloses (figures 1-9) a seventh switch (figures 1(b) and 2, part seventh switch in lower side of PR2) connected between the second input terminal (figures 1(b) and 2, part lower input terminal of the super capacitors) and the common line of the second DC-DC electric power converter (figures 1(b) and 2, part common line connected at lower terminals of S22 and Sn2). Regarding claim 15, claim 1 has the same limitations, except that is not a method claim, based on this is rejected for the same reasons. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action: A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102 of this title, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made. Claims 2, 3, 9-11, 16 and 17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Corti et al. (M. Corti et al. , “DC Networks Including Multiport DC/DC Converters: Fault Analysis”, IEEE Transactions on Industry, 09-01-2016.), hereinafter Corti, in view of Takeo et al. (US 9,982,416), hereinafter Takeo. Regarding claim 2, Corti discloses everything claimed as applied above (see claim 1). Further, Corti discloses (figures 1-9) the fifth switch (figures 1(b) and 2, part fifth switch in lower side of PR1) is connected between the second input terminal (figures 1(b) and 2, part lower input terminal of the batteries) and the second terminal of the first capacitor (figures 1(b) and 2, part C1; lower terminal). However, Corti does not expressly disclose the fifth switch is connected between the second terminal of the first capacitor and the first switch. Takeo teaches (see figures 1-7) the fifth switch (figure 3, part 130_2) is connected between the second terminal of the first capacitor (figure 3, part 19; lower terminal) and the first switch (figure 3, part 102A). It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to configure the fifth switch of Corti with the location of the fifth switch as taught by Takeo and obtain the fifth switch is connected between the second terminal of the first capacitor and the first switch, because it provides another efficient alternative to shutting off the circuit (column 6; lines 26-54). Additional, the applicant presented both location of the fifth switch (figure 9 and 10, parts SA1/SA2) as similar alternative for the DC-DC converter (Specification; paragraph [0106]). Regarding claim 3, Corti discloses everything claimed as applied above (see claim 1). Further, Corti discloses (figures 1-9) the sixth switch (figures 1(b) and 2, part sixth switch in lower side of PR4) is connected between the second output terminal (figures 1(b) and 2, part lower output terminal of DC loads) and the second terminal of the second capacitor (figures 1(b) and 2, part C4; lower terminal). However, Corti does not expressly disclose the sixth switch is connected between the second terminal of the second capacitor and the third switch. Takeo teaches (see figures 1-7) the sixth switch (figure 3, part 130_2) is connected between the second terminal of the second capacitor (figure 3, part 19; lower terminal) and the third switch (figure 3, part 102A). It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to configure the sixth switch of Corti with the location of the sixth switch as taught by Takeo and obtain the sixth switch is connected between the second terminal of the second capacitor and the third switch, because it provides another efficient alternative to shutting off the circuit (column 6; lines 26-54). Additional, the applicant presented both location of the fifth switch (figure 9 and 10, parts SA1/SA2) as similar alternative for the DC-DC converter (Specification; paragraph [0106]). Regarding claim 9, Corti discloses everything claimed as applied above (see claim 8). Further, Corti discloses (figures 1-9) a first current sensor (figure 2, part upper current sensor of differential current sensor ∆IL4) configured to measure current through the first terminal (figure 2, part upper current sensor of differential current sensor ∆IL4; upper terminal) and a second current sensor (figure 2, part lower current sensor of differential current sensor ∆IL4) configured to measure current through the second terminal (figure 2, part lower current sensor of differential current sensor ∆IL4; lower terminal), wherein the controller (figures 1(b) and 2, part controller [not shown] that operate each switches S11/S12, S41/S42, fifth switch in lower side of PR1 and sixth switch in lower side of PR4) is configured to receive current readings from the first (figure 2, part upper current sensor of differential current sensor ∆IL4) and second current sensors (figure 2, part lower current sensor of differential current sensor ∆IL4; lower terminal) (page 3657; IV. GROUND FAULT; Differential current protection sensors, illustrated in blue in Fig. 2, can be used to detect ground faults). However, Corti does not expressly disclose through the first output terminal and through the second output terminal. Takeo teaches (see figures 1-7) a first current sensor (figure 3, part 113) configured to measure current through the first output terminal (figure 3, part 115; at buck operation to 19) and a second current sensor (figure 3, part 116) configured to measure current through the second output terminal (figure 3, part 118; at buck operation to 19), wherein the controller (figure 3, part 30) is configured to receive current readings from the first (figure 3, part 113) and second current sensors (figure 3, part 116). It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to configure the first and second current sensors of Corti with the features of the first and second current sensors as taught by Takeo and obtain a first current sensor configured to measure current through the first output terminal and a second current sensor configured to measure current through the second output terminal, wherein the controller is configured to receive current readings from the first and second current sensors, because it provides more efficient and accurate current detection. Regarding claim 10, Corti and Takeo teach everything claimed as applied above (see claim 9). Further, Corti discloses (figures 1-9) the controller (figures 1(b) and 2, part controller [not shown] that operate each switches S11/S12, S41/S42, fifth switch in lower side of PR1 and sixth switch in lower side of PR4) is configured to close the fifth and sixth switches (figures 1(b), 2 and 3, parts fifth switch in lower side of PR1 and sixth switch in lower side of PR4; closed) (page 3657; IV. GROUND FAULT; Differential current protection sensors, illustrated in blue in Fig. 2, can be used to detect ground faults. Three scenarios are considered for dc ground faults… the system can continue working) if the current readings from the first (figure 2, part upper current sensor of differential current sensor ∆IL4) and second current sensors (figure 2, part lower current sensor of differential current sensor ∆IL4) differ by more than a predetermined difference threshold (page 3659; V. SIMULATION RESULTS; paragraph four; the ground fault identification was achieved by a differential current sensor with a threshold equal to 30 mA). Regarding claim 11, Corti and Takeo teach everything claimed as applied above (see claim 9). Further, Corti discloses (figures 1-9) the controller (figures 1(b) and 2, part controller [not shown] that operate each switches S11/S12, S41/S42, fifth switch in lower side of PR1 and sixth switch in lower side of PR4) is configured to open [based on objection presented above] the fifth and sixth switches (figures 1(b), 2 and 3, parts fifth switch in lower side of PR1 and sixth switch in lower side of PR4; open) (page 3658; B. Solution B; third paragraph; this is not sufficient to clear the fault in terms of safety, and it is necessary to open the traditional circuit breaker) if the current readings from at least one of the first (figure 2, part upper current sensor of differential current sensor ∆IL4) or second current sensors (figure 2, part lower current sensor of differential current sensor ∆IL4) exceed a predetermined magnitude threshold (page 3659; V. SIMULATION RESULTS; paragraph four; the ground fault identification was achieved by a differential current sensor with a threshold equal to 30 mA). Regarding claim 16, claims 9 and 10 in combination have the same limitations, except that is not a method claim, based on this is rejected for the same reasons. Regarding claim 17, claims 9 and 11 in combination have the same limitations, except that is not a method claim, based on this is rejected for the same reasons. Claims 18 and 19 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Corti et al. (M. Corti et al. , “DC Networks Including Multiport DC/DC Converters: Fault Analysis”, IEEE Transactions on Industry, 09-01-2016.), hereinafter Corti, in view of Barraco et al. (US 2025/0112559), hereinafter Barraco. Regarding claim 18, Corti discloses everything claimed as applied above (see claim 1). Further, Corti discloses (figures 1-9) a battery pack (figures 1(b) and 2, part batteries at port#1); a DC bus (figure 2, part dc bus at A/B); an AC-DC converter (figures 1(b) and 2, part fec); and a DC-DC electric power converter (figures 1(b) and 2, part multi-port DC/DC converter), wherein the first and second input terminals are connected to the battery pack (figures 1(b) and 2, part batteries at port#1; upper and lower input terminals) and the first and second output terminals (figures 1(b) and 2, part upper and lower output terminals of DC loads) . However, Corti does not expressly disclose an aircraft propulsion system comprising: an electrical machine; an AC-DC converter connected between the electrical machine and the DC bus; the first and second output terminals are connected to the DC bus. Barraco teaches (see figures 1-11) an aircraft propulsion system (figures 1 and 2) (Abstract; A DC-to-DC converter for an electrical aircraft propulsion system designed to be connected in series with an electrical energy storage unit of the electrical propulsion system) comprising: an electrical machine (figure 2, part 203b); a battery pack (figure 2, part 205); a DC bus (figure 2, part 207); an AC-DC converter (figure 2, part 203c) connected between the electrical machine (figure 2, part 203b) and the DC bus (figure 2, part 207); and a DC-DC electric power converter (figure 2, part 209), wherein the first and second input terminals (figure 2, part 209; left upper and lower input terminals) are connected to the battery pack (figure 2, part 205)and the first and second output terminals (figure 2, part 209; right upper and lower output terminals) are connected to the DC bus (figure 2, part 207) (paragraphs [0066]-[0072]). It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to apply the DC-DC electric power converter of Corti to the aircraft propulsion system (as intended use application) as taught by Barraco and obtain an aircraft propulsion system comprising: an electrical machine; a battery pack; a DC bus; an AC-DC converter connected between the electrical machine and the DC bus; and a DC-DC electric power converter according to claim 1, wherein the first and second input terminals are connected to the battery pack and the first and second output terminals are connected to the DC bus, because the combination results in more reliable and efficient DC-DC electric power converter for an aircraft propulsion system (paragraphs [0105]-[0107]). Regarding claim 19, Corti and Barraco discloses everything claimed as applied above (see claim 18). However, Corti does not expressly disclose the aircraft propulsion system, comprising a gas turbine engine connected to the electrical machine. Barraco teaches (see figures 1-11) the aircraft propulsion system (figures 1 and 2) (Abstract; A DC-to-DC converter for an electrical aircraft propulsion system designed to be connected in series with an electrical energy storage unit of the electrical propulsion system), comprising a gas turbine engine (figure 2, part 203a) connected to the electrical machine (figure 2, part 203b) (paragraphs [0066]-[0072]). It would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filling date of the claimed invention to apply the DC-DC electric power converter of Corti to the aircraft propulsion system (as intended use application) as taught by Barraco and obtain the aircraft propulsion system, comprising a gas turbine engine connected to the electrical machine, because the combination results in more reliable and efficient DC-DC electric power converter for an aircraft propulsion system (paragraphs [0105]-[0107]). Conclusion Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to Carlos O. Rivera-Pérez, whose telephone number is (571) 272-2432 and fax is (571) 273-2432. The examiner can normally be reached on Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM EST. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Thienvu V. Tran can be reached on (571) 270-1276. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of an application may be obtained from the Patent Application Information Retrieval (PAIR) system. Status information for published applications may be obtained from either Private PAIR or Public PAIR. Status information for unpublished applications is available through Private PAIR only. For more information about the PAIR system, see http://pair-direct.uspto.gov. Should you have questions on access to the Private PAIR system, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative or access to the automated information system, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /C.O.R. / Examiner, Art Unit 2838 /THIENVU V TRAN/ Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2838
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

May 29, 2024
Application Filed
Feb 21, 2026
Non-Final Rejection — §102, §103 (current)

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
71%
Grant Probability
92%
With Interview (+20.8%)
2y 11m
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 499 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allow rate.

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